Holden Manz Cabernet Franc Reserve 2017

Grapes for the Holden Manz Cabernet Franc Reserve 2017 were harvested on 28 March 2017. 100% barrel fermented using wild yeast before 22 months of maturation in a selection of French oak barrels. Selected bunches were berry sorted before a 10-day cold soak. Berries were transferred to French oak barrels (100% new) and allowed to ferment slowly using wild yeast at low temperatures. Bottled in January 2019. A total of 2,025 bottles were produced. Bottled at 14.5%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: A subtly fragrant aromatic wine with raspberries, tobacco leaf, lavender and spice notes. Enchanting black fruit nose.

Palate: Rich and elegant soft textured wine with predominant cassis and dark berries. Well balanced savoury flavours with good volume. Wood is well integrated, pleasantly subtle tannins.

Finish: A long finish with plenty of spice.

Located in the top, southernmost corner of the Franschhoek Valley, the Holden Manz wine estate is named after owners Gerard Holden and Migo Mans who first arrived in South Africa in the 1990s. Winemaker Thierry Haberer grew up in Corsica, completing his studies at the University of Bordeaux in 2004. His experience includes working as a freelance winemaker at Anthonij Rupert Cellar (South Africa), Rudd Estate (USA) and Katarzyna Estate (Bulgaria). In 2008 he joined forces with one of France’s best-known wine consultants, Michel Rolland before moving to South Africa a few years later.